To enjoy life is to move on. Moving on requires leaving the old attitude of regretting and procrastinating on account of sentiments and lingering in the past. There’s a constant awareness in most, if not all people with regards to what they have. What they have sometimes make them sad or depressed. And instead of evaluating their self-worth, then find it easier to get intimidated for what others have, or for what status in life they are in.
So maybe we should not leave this issue out from the list of New Year’s resolutions. Simply put, we need to appreciate life by living it– celebrating and enjoying its real purpose. So start enjoying life by moving on this year – 2017, move along with the development of people and society. This is the first step in getting a lease of life for the new year.
Connecting with people, especially our loved ones is the ‘next thing’ that helps. I remember Dr. Illenberger (a.k.a Nitz) and her advice on keeping in touch- “Connect with love ones, friends and `best friends forever’ (BFF on Facebook). That way you will know if they are living fine, or are getting on with some bad conditions.”
“Likes” and positive comments for them are considered ounces of health, or maintenance pills. Appreciative comments motivate, and constructive criticisms give encouragements. Of course there are limitations to everything that we do. It pays to help other people as long as we don’t compromise or procrastinate with our work. Comforting others improves our comfort zones and in the development of ourselves.
On the other hand, do not “miss the train” by being too busy with other passengers waiting for another train to arrive. For life to be truly enjoyable, we should know our calling and live it. Prayer is a vehicle to God “from whom all blessings flow.”
Lastly, never look at what others have; look up and give thanks for what the Lord has given you. Amidst the hardships and challenges, it is still a beautiful life.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go” –Joshua 1:9
Faith and Perseverance – Pastor Bonnie E. Cadosale, Minister of Pakao Evangelical Church.
You probably have met persons with disabilities, who never had chances to rise above their situations. They have chosen to live a life of inactivity and apathy. They are neglected, ignored for who they are; denied of opportunities and recognition in society (let alone a circle of friends).
I met a person with disability whose infirmity has never been a hindrance — to live among his fellowmen with significance and a role to play. I was interested to talk to a “differently-abled” who has been serving God for twenty years. He was enabled by the Lord to become a Pastor and is leading a congregation of a Baptist church under the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
Pastor Bonnie being oriented for the interview by production staff.
It was at the 76th Annual General Assembly and Institute of the Convention Baptist Ministers’ Association in Camp Higher Ground, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo where I met Pastor Bonnie E. Cadosale, a Minister of Pakao Evangelical Church in the upper south of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.
His story reflects the place where he comes from – high up in a mountain area of Kabankalan, where livelihood and employment were rather limited. His opportunity to get a college education and eventually to employ was remote. But his resilience and strong faith were what God has looked upon. God gave his blessings so that Pastor Cadosale could enroll in the Theological Education by Extension program of Central Philippine University, an outreach project of the university from the late 1980s up to early 2000s.
So he preached in that mountain village; started with one, two and more people coming to listen to his story of hope and faith. He was able to gather a considerable number of followers that later enabled him to start a small congregation. Furthermore, he began seeking help to build a physical church. His prayers were answered with help from other churches in Negros; cement and construction materials were delivered.
He maintained leadership with more people joining in the Sunday worship service. His determination has become stronger than ever in his desire to procure an audio system (at least a microphone), and some copies of a hymnal.
Pastor Bonnie E. Cadosale is a product of his faith and devotion to the Lord. God’s answer to his prayers is the missionary support of pastors from many evangelical churches. Above all else in the Baptist mission which is centered in preaching the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. Cadosale is grateful to Central Philippine University for providing him the theological education. The extension program has stopped long ago, but he wishes that the same will be reopened in Kabankalan for their young people who want to pursue theological education but cannot afford to go to a formal school. With the CBMA, I would like to echo his idea for the extension program to be one of the projects to be supported and sustained by the Baptist ministers. May the Lord bless those who continue to build his kingdom here on Earth. To God be the Glory!
It’s great to be there at Camp Higher Ground in Barotac Viejo on the 76th Annual General Assembly of the Convention Baptist Minister’s Association, Inc. (CBMA). Camp Higher Ground is undisputedly one of the coolest places in Northern Iloilo. There’s an office building and a multi-purpose hall, a basketball court and some unique raw bamboo houses. But the surrounding nature — trees and green living things make it a good site for spiritual retreats.
CBMA President Rev. Samuel G. Talha being interviewd by Cyrus Natividad, Media Relations Officer.
The way up to camp Higher Ground is simply a mountain side which we often pass by on the way to Northern Iloilo — until we went there to fellowship with one prestigious, historical organization of pastors. It is a significant celebration that it has to be covered by Central Philippine University TV’s new program, Profiles of Central.
We interviewed a number of Pastors and Officers of the CBMA organization. We came to know those behind the strong organization of ministers and movers of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches’ missions all over the country. The CBMA is part of the oldest umbrella of Baptist churches in the country – the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, which the Jaro Evangelical Church in Iloilo City (oldest Baptist Church in the Philippines) belongs.
Donated bamboo cottages being prayed over by members of the CBMA.
We are proud to know among others that two of our Centralian Pastors hold the highest positions in the CPBC and CBMA organizations. Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, an ordained minister of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches who had served in different capacities and later as University Chaplain of Central Philippine University is CPBC’s General Secretary, and Rev. Samuel G. Talha, Professor of the CPU College of Theology, and Department of Social Work is now the CBMA President. Both are supporting CPU in one way or another.
It is good to note that both heads of CPBC and CBMA have good plans for their respective organizations. It is a high calling for their intellectual, spiritual and theological endeavors — to expand, improve and develop the potentials of the Camp Higher Ground site. This year’s theme is: “Unleashing Ministers’ Full Potentials.”
Adrian Palomar, Operations Manager of ICONTECH explains iCONs features.
How many types of cellphones have you used, and how soon did you change one after the other?
Do you still cling to that obsolete N5210, or have you changed your lifestyle with the latest smartphone?
The powerful smartphones include user-friendly and convenient information systems. They get the better of communications, such as the social media and other user connectivity. They reach out to the vast sea of humanity by a touch of a fingertip. The information technology revolution is an evolution of logic and awareness – purposely to interact and entertain.
On January 24, a newly founded enterprise called ICONTech in partnership with Central Philippine University launched a user friendly-student information system currently available for Android based phones.
It was amazing how CPU Nursing alumni Jennifer Sumindol and Adrian Palomar, and the bright students from Central Philippine University College of Software Engineering were able to join their heads together and revolutionize what we call a social media application exclusively tailored for CPU.
iCON is a student development-centered application that enables students to showcase their profile, chat with other students and receive messages from a group. A CPU Admin, Central Echo, CPUR and CPU Communications pages are also provided in order to receive timely news and announcements.
The teacher-student communication system is embedded in the Learning Management System of the Application. Students can now have social interactions with their teachers with regards to their assignments and advisory.
iCON is a product of young minds – Alumni and graduating students of Software Engineering course (the first and only one in the country). The possibilities and opportunities that the iCON App can bring are endless.
Rev. William Orison Brown Valentine,the first principal of Jaro Industrial School.
It was coincidental that I pass through the corridor of one of the oldest buildings of CPU. It’s called Valentine Hall. To my very young mind as a fresh high school graduate visiting the University, I wondered why there is a memorial building dedicated to a saint Valentine, or so I thought.
The old Valentine building is considered a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines f
It was not so long before I can dig up the history of this old building. I sought someone who readily explained to me why there is a Valentine Building at Central Philippine University.
CPU was founded by the American Baptist Missionaries in 1905. Rev. William Orison Brown Valentine became the first principal of the institution which they named Jaro Industrial School. Rev. Dr. Valentine established the first school in the country to teach that “there is dignity in labor.” He was so dedicated in his mission work, giving education to students who are willing to work and study. It was his labor of love that developed the small school for boys into what is now one of the best Universities in the country.
The Old Valentine Building survived the test of time, and stands as a symbol of love for education in the campus. Previously, this building was the home of the CPU Administration. At the present time, it houses the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences. There is now a new Valentine Annex Building, but the old one represents a memorial of the founder of the University. A photo contest entitled “Sights of Central” was launched, thanks to the Office of Communications for organizing the event, and one of the winners is the entry of Barry Jone Matutina — a meaningful picture of the old Valentine.
The old Valentine building is considered a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
If sweet taste is the only reason why you love sugar, it must be the sweetness of whisper, “sweet nothingness” and endearment from somebody that makes it the reason why you can call that human being — Sugar, Sweetie, Honey or Candy. “How sweet it is to be loved by you…”
How many sweet items do you remember to buy on Valentine’s Day (Chocolates, cakes, pie, red wine, apples and grapes — for your own Sweet Sugar Honeypie?) They’re just about foods where sugar plays the role of giving them a great taste! But other symbolic things just add up to make Valentine sugary — for someone worthy of the sweetness of love. After all, Valentines for us is not about a saint to be emulated, or a trend or lifestyle that comes around once a year to spoil society or destroy a religion or community.
Valentine is a Western symbolism that has been there, and will always be there with every person who believes that love is immortal.
Valentines is just another day to remind us that despite all the bitterness we have — it is still a beautiful world where the love of God abound — and love will always be sweeter than sugar.
Central Philippine University´s annual Students Organization Evaluation last February 9-10, 2017 with the theme, “CPU Student Organizations: Living the Central Spirit Beyond Borders” at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park and Halfmoon area brought fun and exciting booth displays and gimmicks as well as tension to those who take the evaluation seriously.
Booth exhibits during the Annual Student Organizations Evaluation and Exhibit
With the total number of 74 organizations that set up their booths last Thursday and Friday, the Accounting Technology Society (ACTS) was declared the Most Outstanding Organization and received the prize of P10,000.00.
The following are the Outstanding Organizations in the following categories: Academic Category – Accounting Technology Society (ACTS) Special Category – Clerical Student Assistants (CSA) Cultural Category – CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp. Religious Category – Chi Alpha Campus Fellowship Municipal Category – JJC Anahaw Sports Category – Central Philippine University Mountaineering Society
The Best Booth Exhibits winners are: Academic Category – Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines Special Category – Library Student Assistants (LSA) Cultural Category – CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp. Religious Category – CPU Gospel Team Municipal Category – Leon Centralians Sports Category – Central Philippine University Mountaineering Society Fraternity Category – Beta Sigma Fraternity
The Outstanding Advisers are: Academic Category – Engr. Mary Earl Daryl Grio of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Special Category – Prof. Rodel Palomar of the Work Student Organization (WSO) Sports Category – Prof. Donie S. Jardeliza of the CPU Mountaineering Society Municipal Category – Mrs. Emcy J. Sanchez
Most Outstanding Adviser: Mrs. R. Cheyenne C. Aberia of the CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp.
Setting aside ranks, Centralians enjoyed and were overwhelmed because of the exhibit. Booths were filled and inspired by each and everyone´s own concept for this year´s evaluation and various tactics that caught up other people´s attention.
“It was my first time witnessing such event so I explored and enjoyed a lot,” said Maria JC Emmanuelle Momblan, a Senior High School student of CPU. From academics to special organizations, it never failed to satiate the eyes, minds, hearts and souls of every Centralian who passed by.
Indeed the organizations at CPU are not only made for its members but also for its fellow Centralians that do not belong to a certain organization, or even those beyond borders. It has made the Central Spirit “visible” once in a while.
Every organization might have different styles, objectives and activities; but all have one goal, and that is to live the Central Spirit today and for the days to come.
Good food and good company – alumni and friends celebrate Luz, Nestor and Direk Larry´s Birthday.
There are more than one hundred fifty CPU Alumni Associations all over the world: Strong, Supportive, Sympathetic (SSS), and I´d say symbiotic. And if you’re finding the reason why it’s priceless to become a member of one of them, you have to find out how a senior organization get together, celebrate and feed each other (literally).
Wednesday is the scheduled regular weekly meeting and fellowship of the alumni of the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association of CPU at the Agri Fellowship House. The other day, we are invited again to lunch with them in their ‘hideout.’ The affair was no secret anyway because of the tarpaulin announcing a triple birthday celebration for CPU Alumni Larry P. Nacionales, former DA Region 6 Director and President of the CPU Agriculture Alumni Association, Nestor Verdeflor and Luz Cordero.
The convergent place is a mini-farm near the entrance of the CPU Centennial Village in Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo. A modest hut in the center serves as pavilion and meeting place of this admirable alumni association. All around are green and leafy vegetable patches; organic papaya, ampalaya, malunggay, and fruits — grown to be harvested and shared by everyone in the association. Guests cannot leave without bringing home some fruits and vegetables on their way out.
An organic luncheon was served after a short devotional (food for the soul) was shared by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, CPU Communications Acting Director. There was an abundance of native dishes served with organic black rice, grilled pantat, dila sang baka, ampalaya salad; luscious mango, banana and pineapple; milky bibinka, lumpia and other native delicacies – cooked right there in the farm. Certainly, a real first ‘farm-to-table’ experience.
I say they are Strong – there were around 30 of members who responsibly attended the meeting – cum birthday party. How can they be not strong at their 60´s with everything organic in their food list? That’s a real organic feast experience that we got there. They are Supportive – they do the extra mile for each other; everyone seemed to be lifted up by everybody whenever there is a problem. “One for all, all for one” is a theme that they adhere to. They are Sympathetic too. They help people in the field of agriculture; extending knowledge and technology to farmers.
We are looking forward to the bigger convergence in Bacolod City, when the Negros Chapter of the CPU Agriculture Alumni Association hosts the Grand Agriculture Alumni Homecoming at the Pavillon Hotel on October 20 to 21, 2017. See you there!
Dr. Rex Divinagracia Drilon was born in Dumangas, Iloilo on April 21, 1905. On the same year, Jaro Industrial School — the forerunner of Central Philippine College (CPC) — later to become Central Philippine University, was opened in Jaro, Iloilo. The school which was under an American administration will be led later by its first Filipino President Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
Dr. Rex D. Drilon flashes his trademark smile as he is being welcomed back from a foreign trip.
Drilon spent his childhood and primary education in Dumangas, his hometown. He finished his secondary education in 1925 and his Associate in Arts (known then as pre-law) in 1927, respectively with honors from Central Philippine College.
He obtained his Bachelor in English (through a scholarship) at Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon in 1931 and his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Master of Arts in Editorial Writing from the University of Missouri in 1937.
Dr. Rex D. Drilon, CPU´s first Filipino President with Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
He taught in High School and College English classes in the country and abroad—particularly at Central Philippine College from 1938-1939 upon his return to the Philippines. He also served as Assistant Professor of Political Science and Acting Secretary to the President of the University of the Philippines.
He served during the war as an officer of the Panay Guerilla Movement. He resumed his academic work as a faculty in 1945, and also served as Dean, Head, Officer and Director of several units of CPC. CPC formally changed its status into a University on April 1, 1953.
On May 10, 1966 in the historic meeting of the CPU Board of Trustees, the university’s first Filipino president, Dr. Rex D. Drilon, was elected. Dr. Drilon subsequently started his tenure as president on June 1, 1966. His appointment marked the Filipinization of the CPU administration.
His installation into office on April 21, 1967 was administered by his Excellency, President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. A fifty-voiced choir sang “This Nation Will Be Great Again” with lyrics written by Rex Drilon himself and music composed by Frederick E. Bieler who also conducted the Festival Chorus.
During his presidency, a momentous event happened. On Christmas day, December 25, 1969, the entire university property – land, buildings and equipment – was turned over by the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society to the Filipino Corporation of Central Philippine University. “This was the largest real estate transfer in the history of ABFMS…The deed of donation earned for itself the distinction of being an event without parallel in the history of religious foreign missions. The ABMFS is the first such religious foreign mission to award Filipino title to its properties in the Philippines.”
“A GREAT CENTRAL” was the vision of Rex D. Drilon, his all-consuming passion. When he became President in 1966, it was a turn of a new era characterized by political and social unrest throughout the land. Above all the tumult he nourished his vision and held it high as light in the darkness urging the Board of Trustees, faculty, students, alumni, and friends with the imperative: “We shall move this school as it has never been moved before. Central will be great.” Rex Drilon brought to the Presidency an unparalleled combined acumen of an educator, administrator, and humanitarian.
He was a topflight journalist and political scientist with very strong libertarian and nationalist fervor. He accepted the prestigious yet difficult position prepared with a wealth of administrative experience gained from the places of responsibility he occupied in Central Philippines College and in the University of the Philippines.
President Drilon took his task keenly aware of the role his administration had to play: that of a bridge between the years of American leadership and support, since the founding of the school in 1905, and the unknown future. He very well knew that the success or failure of the University would be his responsibility and that of his Filipino colleagues. In his inaugural address, he appealed for support. In conclusion he said:
“If your Filipino president fails, then the Filipino name is marked forever. But if your Filipino president succeeds with your help, with your loyalty, then the Filipino name shall be honored — You honor yourselves.”
A staunch advocate of academic freedom, he organized the University Forum where students and faculty could experience what he termed “a free market of ideas.” He allowed students to speak their minds with “no holds barred+ and encouraged the students to write and express themselves in the Central Echo on university policies and student problems, as well as on problems of the local and national governments. He was a humanitarian of the highest water, a champion of the less privileged and the underdog but a thorn in the flesh of the arrogant and the sanctimonious and those who would betray the “Central Spirit.”
Dr. Rex D. Drilon died a sudden death on that sad morning of February 21, 1971. Loved and mourned by thousands, he was brought to his final resting place at the Evangelical Garden by a procession of thousands of students, faculty and staff, friends, and admirers, seen as one of the longest ever witnessed by Jaro.
As a final tribute to its first Filipino president, the University bestowed upon Dr. Rex Drilon the Distinguished Service Award, which was presented to Mrs. Independencia Q. Drilon during the 1971 Commencement Exercises. On March 22, 2002, CPU also bestowed a Posthumous Service Award for his faithful and dedicated service.
Rex D. Drilon is remembered in the history of Central Philippine University as the fulfillment of the dream of his predecessors — the Filipinization of administrative leadership. He is cherished in the hearts of thousands he touched with his compassionate life. Indeed, as Nelson and Herradura wrote in Scientia et Fides, The Story of Central Philippine University, Rex D. Drilon is worthy to be called as the “Epitome of the Central Spirit.”
(Compiled by Cyrus A. Natividad and F. Neil G. Jalando-on from the writings of Nelson and Herradura, Scientia et Fides The Story of Central Philippine University, 1981 and Lucy de la Fuente, Central Echo and Link articles)
Representatives from a French NGO called Geres were at the 4th edition of ‘Stove-Plus Workshop’ held at the Knowledge for Development Center, CPU from February 20-24. Guests from India, France and Cambodia also attended the workshop.
The objective of the workshop was to present an economic development with alternative technology to initiate fuel saving and entrepreneurship, particularly for low income communities. Climate change and environmental issues were also discussed.
Local and Foreign Entrepreneurs work on a proposed project at the Stove Plus Workshop
A number of indigenous and innovative stoves were presented. First, the clay model cook stoves which reminded us of our clay projects in the elementary, then the more innovative models with their prescribed fuels – charcoal, wood and blended material briquettes.
One of those stove technologies was designed by a former CPU Agricultural Engineering faculty, entrepreneur, and owner of Approtech Enterprises, Engr. Alexis Daniel Belonio. The popular stove which he currently manufactures by batch is called the Belonio Rice Hull Gasifier Stoves (RHGS).
One of the durable cookstoves on display at the workshop
The workshop also included input sessions and group presentations. Actual technical presentation was done at the CPU Agricultural Engineering Department. Engr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Department Coordinator, College of Agriculture, Research and Environmental Science (CARES), led the boiling water demonstration and shared ideas in biomass production and briquettes production as well.
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